YREKA – The Yreka Branch Library foyer was lined with banquet tables on Friday when the Friends of the Yreka Library hosted a volunteer luncheon and presented them with certificates of appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication.

“I want to thank everyone for coming and to let you know how much we appreciate you,” Yreka Friends treasurer Kathy Jones told attendees. “We couldn’t have kept the library open without you.”

Yreka Friends president Bill Cushman added, “These volunteers are the greatest benefactors to this community that there ever has been.”

In addition to Yreka Friends members, 17 volunteers attended the luncheon as well as Siskiyou County Librarian Michael Perry and District 2 Siskiyou County Supervisor Ed Valenzuela.

Yreka Friends secretary Jean Karlsson said in addition to showing appreciation, the luncheon served as an opportunity for volunteers to get to know one another. She noted that often, volunteers who do not work on the same days never have a chance to meet.

Karlsson made announcements, such as the upcoming addition of children’s books in the youth section and the expansion of the books sale area. Perry answered questions regarding building maintenance and volunteer hours.

The Yreka Friends applauded the volunteers’ ability to staff the library during weekend hours, allowing the library to remain open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Valenzuela commented, “These volunteers are the lifeblood of this library.”